Ahoy, comrades!
I work for the largest non-profit in animal welfare in the Southeast.
Lately, I’ve been feeling burned out by work. For a little bit of background, I’m homeless yet I work full-time (despite disabilities) and even get overtime. $15/hour isn’t enough for me to find any living accommodation. It’s been getting to me, but I still love my job. Since being in my position there has been one thing that makes my work dreadful. Nepotism. The life partner of the CEO isn’t my boss yet demeans and dominates me like I’m a dog. From my understanding, she treats everyone poorly and acts as if we should grovel at her feet. I’ve talked to HR about a pattern of her exploiting my labor to do hers and grooming me to do that since starting. They talked to her, and HR promised me it is over and everything is solved. NOPE. She retaliates hard, to the point where I’m begging to switch positions in the company. She went behind my back and did something that would get me fired had I not caught it and reported it. Today I was told it will be another week or two before I can switch positions within the company. A position I've asked for an interview for a month now since I am already performing the job's functions. A position that comes with a pay raise.
So today, I decided to reach out to a union service for non-profit organizations.
LET’S GO MUTHERFACKERS.
After learning more about the working conditions and how little some of the animal care specialists make, I think this is a step in the right direction. My fellow comrades work hard, and we are understaffed to the point that I help pitch in and do jobs that are not in my job description.
One older lady works 6 days a week, with one day off. If you are an animal care specialist, you must work a 12-hour shift. She works six 12 hours shifts a week. Money is nice to earn, but also being able to be your own person is better. Being able to be kind to your only body is better too.
Tomorrow high profile donors come in, and I wanted to give them something to buzz about.
I’m excited, I turned my sour outlook to something exciting. It’s a win-win. If I am canned, I will move on. I will apply for unemployment citing my union inquiry and the toxic workplace retaliation. And I’ve put the ear bug in my fellow workers' ears. We all love animals, it's why we do what we do, but it isn’t sustainable. The business runs by employees being burned out and moving on. My position had 3 coordinators come and go like it was a revolving door. I talked to staff to see their opinions on forming a union and a lot are on board. One mentioned he felt concerned for his fellows.
Let’s see what happens to my organization. Let’s see if we the workers can have a bit more of a voice. And let’s see if the nepotism of my job dies down a little bit.
PS – I'm excited but also nervous. I try to be the right balance of idealistic and utilitarian. I hope I'm making the right choice. And I will respect my co-worker's decisions in the process. If you have any advice, I am all eyes!